As we came off the mouth of the shallow tidal haven that runs behind the great castle, whose old Roman walls seem strong as ever, a boat from the shore came off very boldly to speak with us. But we could see the sparkle of arms as some ships were manned in all haste lest we were no friendly comers.
The leader of the boat's crew was a handsome boy of about fifteen, well armed and fearless, and he stepped on board Olaf's ship without mistrust when the king hailed him.
"Who are you, and what would you on these shores?" he asked before we had spoken.
Olaf laughed pleasantly in his quiet way, and answered:
"I must know who asks me before I say aught."
"Maybe that is fair," said the boy. "I am Godwine, son of Wulfnoth the earl."
"Then you have right to ask," answered our king. "I am Olaf Haraldsson. I am a viking, and come in peace to see and speak with your father."
The boy stared at the king in wonder for a moment.
"Are you truly Olaf the Thick, who broke London Bridge?" he asked.
"Well, I had some hand in it," answered Olaf laughing, "for I told the men when to pull, and when they pulled, the bridge came down. They did it and I looked on."